About VoIP Phone Service
VoIP is an acronym for Voice over Internet Protocol. Using VoIP, the voice signal from a standard telephone is converted to a digital signal and transmitted over the Internet. Typically, VoIP customers receive a broad range of services at a cost substantially lower than they would pay through a traditional telephone company. The one caveat is that the service is available only to customers with high-speed Internet access.
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VoIP Providers
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VoIP providers include Comcast, Vonage and Voip, a company named for the service it provides. All offer inbound and outbound calling, whether the party on the other end is using a VoIP service or a tradition telephone line. VoIP providers usually include an array of features, including voice mail, call waiting, caller identification, call forwarding, call rejection, three-way calling and the option for a customer to keep his own telephone number.
Like traditional telephone companies, VoIP providers offer both a variety of features included in a basic rate plan and additional services available for an added fee. Each company decides independently which services are included in its basic rate plan and which services cost extra. The higher-priced providers may not necessarily offer the broadest range of included features, so shop carefully. A few features that may or may not be included in the basic rate plan include soft phone technology, long distance services and international calling.
Softphone
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The softphone is unique to VoIP and allows calls to be made and received directly from a computer. The customer downloads a communication tool from the provider's website and receives a computer screen with icons that look much like the buttons on a telephone. When a call comes in, the computer makes a ringing sound, and the call is answered by clicking an icon on the screen. Then the customer talks to the caller using the speaker and microphone on his computer. To make an outgoing call, the customer keys in the telephone number on his computer and clicks the "Send" icon.
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Getting Started
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Sign up is easy. Visit a provider's website, click the "Sign-Up" button and answer a few questions. Once a customer signs up for VoIP, he receives a small router in the mail, along with the cables needed to establish service. A standard telephone cord plugs into the router, and the router plugs into the high-speed Internet modem. Customers may also use additional wireless telephone handsets throughout their homes.
Developing Trends
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As the public availability of high-speed Internet access grows, so does the potential for VoIP. Its services are spreading into what is currently the territory of cellular service. VoIP services are already available on such telephones as the BlackBerry in publicly accessible Internet areas like cafes, airports and hotels.
Warnings
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Before signing on with a VoIP provider, confirm that its plan includes E911 Emergency Service. Some providers don't offer this service at all, and others offer it for an added fee.
Because VoIP routers and Internet access are powered by electricity, VoIP service may not be available during a power outage.
If you encounter a problem with VoIP that you are unable to resolve with the provider, contact the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). They regulate VoIP, as well as traditional telephone companies.
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